"Our planet is filled with heroes, young and old, rich and poor, man, woman of different colors, shapes and sizes. We are one great tapestry,"

"Each person has a hidden hero within, you just have to look inside you and search it in your heart, and be the hero to the next one in need."

"So to each and every person inside in this theater and for those who are watching at home, the hero in you is waiting to be unleashed. Serve, serve well, serve others above yourself and be happy to serve. As I always tell to my co-volunteers ... you are the change that you dream as I am the change that I dream and collectively we are the change that this world needs to be."

-Efren Penaflorida's speech after accepting his "CNN Hero Of The Year" for 2009